Since we had zero earnings for 2020 and only incorporation expenses, do you think we even should/need to file any tax reports?

If I push farther out in order to incorporate more multi-units into my analysis I get into neighborhoods that are priced significantly higher than the area I'm looking at.  

My goal at this point is to get a house in the near future so I can probably incorporate house hacking into that.

I live in CA and I purchased a property in Jan 2021 in Georgetown TX, we could not go physically to check it out, it was a cash buy and there was an inspection done and no appraisal was required.

I would make sure you include a physical deterrent that is designed with routine condenser maintenance in mind like an AC-Guard.

However, I do not have tons of liquid funds to invest in the property after I buy it.I have a friend/co-worker who would like to front the cash to renovate the house and help me physically renovate it (we are both good with tools).

Ordered the physical copy to take more detailed notes.

They're both great markets that are very popular amongst multifamily investors.Compare the pricing, cap rates and inventory in both states and then decide which is better for you.Either way just make sure you have a solid team in place if you won't physically be living there.

What SYSTEMS do I incorporate to continue doing it?

Do send them pictures and receipts, or do they send someone out to physically confirm your progress.